New self check in for outpatient appointments

Patients will now be able to check in for their outpatient appointment at Salisbury District Hospital quickly and securely using a self check in kiosk within some outpatient departments and in main reception.

The system means that patients do not need to queue while the receptionist may be helping other patients who need more help or who are busy booking follow up appointments. Kiosks will be phased in within the hospital and are now available in:

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) waiting area

Orthopaedic clinic foyer

Main entrance foyer

Medical and surgical outpatients (two locations)

Plastic and oral surgery corridor

Rheumatology and vascular department

Urology department

Sophie Jordan, Directorate Manager for Musculo Skeletal Services said: “Some patients will already be familiar with check in kiosks which are now being used in many GP surgeries. All kiosks will have a touch screen facility and once checked in patients will be able to take a seat in the waiting area before being called for their appointment.”

The information that is displayed on screen will be the same as would normally be checked verbally at the reception desk and the kiosks will use the same range of personal verification information. Only patients who are attending the clinic that day and one hour before their appointment will be able to check in using this system.

Mrs Jordan said: “ We hope that our patients will find this system more convenient as they will not have to queue up to check in. While we now have eight kiosks up and running, and we will be reviewing their use over the coming months with the aim of introducing more kiosks in other areas in the future.”

Mrs Jordan added: “ We will have instructions and patient leaflets available on how to use the kiosks, together with hospital volunteers who can help or answer any questions. We are looking for more volunteers and anyone interested should contact Jo Jarvis, our voluntary services manager on 01722 336262. Extension 4026.”